She took a few moments in hesitation before she slid her hand into his, and stood. Her gaze jumped between the bench and the back of the wagon as if trying to figure out how to get there. He chuckled and moved closer, grasping her around the waist and lifting her. She gasped and clutched his shoulders as he carefully lifted her over the seat. The moment she regained her footing, she released him and stepped back.
He motioned to the floor of the wagon. “I know the floor isn’t that comfortable, but it’s probably better than the carriage seat. Would you care to join me?”
She shrugged and lowered to the floor, pressing her back against the side. He sat across from her, mainly so that he could continue to gaze at her lovely features.
She wrung her hands in her lap as she looked outside. “I suppose this will keep us from the wind.”
“It will. If the weather decides to rain on us, we might have to move. But this should work for now.”
Her focus moved back to his face. “Do you think it will rain?”
“No. I think it’s just going to be really windy.”
Sighing, she relaxed her fidgeting hands. “So,” she began, “the old man who I talked to earlier, told me that you have two brothers – Bryan and Joel. Do you still live with them?”
Maverick grinned. “Cooper? I’m surprised he didn’t tell you about the mermaids he saw in the lake last month.” He laughed. “The poor guy is having problems with his memory. However, I do have two brothers, and that is their names. We all have our own place to live, but we’re still within a mile from each other. We all live on the land our grandfather purchased for us.”
“Do you and your brothers get along?”
Maverick shrugged. “I suppose. Just as most brothers that I know, we were close when we were younger, but as adults, we don’t always see eye-to-eye.”
“Will you tell me a little about them?”
“Bryan is the brother that is a perfectionist. He wants everyone to see his success, and his life needs to be in order, and if things don’t go his way, the whole town hears about it.” Maverick rolled his eyes. “Joel, on the other hand, is more easy-going. He’s the type of man most women would think of as their closest friend. He’s sweet, but if you ask me, he’s not tough – like his brothers.”
“Does your grandfather still live around here?”
“He lives in the next big town over. As I mentioned before, he’s allowed his grandsons to run things here, but unless we marry, we won’t be able to actually own anything.”
Her gaze dropped to her hands, and she started fidgeting again. “Tell me, truthfully, do you want to marry me?”
It was still difficult for him to believe that men weren’t lined up, waiting to court Miss Ross. Could her joining the stage performers really have ruined her reputation so badly? Yet, what other excuses could there be for someone so pretty to want to be a mail-order bride?
Maverick folded his arms and relaxed against the side of the wagon as he studied her. “I suppose I should ask you what kind of wife you’ll be?”
Her eyes widened. “Pardon me?”
“How do you usually treat your beaus? I’m sure you’ve had a few.”
Her cheeks flamed, giving away her answer. “I’ve had a few, yes, and I have always shown respect. I’m not the type of woman who likes to control a relationship; neither am I the type who likes to be controlled. I will treat you as kindly as you treat me. I don’t approve of men beating women, either, so if you’re like that—”
“I have never struck a woman out of anger, and I never will.” He was relieved to know her conditions for the marriage. “You will never need to fear me.”
“Mr. Easton?”
“Please, call me Maverick, or Mav.”
She nodded. “You must address me as Hannah, then.”
“Good. I like that name.”
Her cheeks reddened again. “Maverick, will you tell me what you are looking for in a wife?”
“Absolutely.” He shifted his position as he lay on his side, stretching his legs toward the end of the wagon. “I watched the way my parents treated each other with kindness, patience, and understanding. I would like a marriage like that. They had an arranged marriage, but by the time I was born, they had a deep love for one another.”
She inhaled shakily, nodding. “I think that would be a good relationship to have. I certainly want to be able to trust my husband and not think he’s stepping out on me.”
“And I would like to be able to trust my wife, as well.” He smiled.
“Then, I expect we have come to an understanding.”
“Yes, we have.” He reached out his hand. “Do you want to shake on it?” She slid her palm against his, and he wrapped his fingers around her dainty hand. “But before we make a final verbal agreement, I need you to do something for me.”
Her gaze turned skeptical. “What is that?”
“My grandfather can’t know what we’re doing.”
“But... I thought he wants you to get married.”
“He does, however, he wants us to marry the old-fashioned way. You know, court, fall in love – that kind of stuff.”
A corner of her mouth lifted in a half-grin. “So why exactly do you want to lie to him?”
“I don’t have time to court and fall in love. The loggers are at the peak of the season, and we need to get as much done before winter hits. If my grandfather had given us this ultimatum in January, I would have been fine with courting the normal way. But not now.”
“Well, Maverick, I have to confess that I’ve been impressed with you. When you handled the drunken cowboy,